Columbus – The following statement may be attributed to Auditor of State Dave Yost concerning the indictments of Franklin County Board of Elections Director William A. Anthony Jr. and former Fiscal Officer Brenna Umbstaetter: 

“The first requirement of any job is to show up for work. Somebody who takes a paycheck without working is stealing – and the boss who lets her get away with it is no better,” Auditor Yost said. “Both are presumed innocent today, and both will receive the benefit of their day in court.”

Auditor of State Assistant Legal Counsel Robert Smith was appointed special prosecutor in the case. The Auditor of State’s office received information from an anonymous source on the fraud hotline that Ms. Umbstaetter had been excessively absent for years without taking leave and was paid for the hours she did not work. Mr. Anthony allegedly approved her timesheets despite knowing they were inaccurate.  The amount of the theft is in excess of $7,500. 

Mr. Anthony was indicted on three third-degree felonies: one count of theft in office and two counts of tampering with records. Ms. Umbstaetter was indicted on two third-degree felonies: theft in office and tampering with records.